In another post Hidehunter mentioned that catfish when hooked give out a distress call.
I have often wondered if fish in general would give out a distress sound when hooked and fighting.??? It seems to be a common thing in nature…so why wouldn’t fish do it when they are in distress?
Anyone know???..Any studies been done on this? Hidehunter how do you know about catfish?
First one to put me on it years ago was a guy who raises catfish. He actually uses a “pool cue” rod and heavy braided line to catch fish as he feeds them. (said he started out using piano wire). If you can hook them and get them out fast enough you can continue to catch several. He would work aroung the edges of the ‘feeding ring’ and yank them out as fast as they bit. If you allow them to ‘fight’ they spook out.
I consulted a fisheries biologist and he confirmed it. Here’s the kicker. Most ‘game fish’ put out a “feeding” signal when they are hooked. Ever notice fish trying to grab a lure out of a hooked fish’s mouth? You’ll never see it with a catfish.
Ever notice that first fish seems to come hard (especially ice fishing) then the bite often improves steadily? Seldom so with catfish.
But is this “distress call” always an alarm for fish to hunker down or clear out, or is it like a dinner bell?
Ive had both blue gill and bass chase a hooked fish. Also, I understand bull trout will take a hooked fish, and some anglers purposefully play a fish in order to induce strikes.
Good question.
Wow, this explains so much. :? Usually as soon as a catch a catfish I stop catching anything.
Many times I have hooked a rainbow and while releasing the hook it will give off a clicking noise of some type. It this what you are referring to?
Dano
I can’t speak to the issue as an authority, but I recall hearing someone mention that a fish can release a pheromone (a chemical red-flag, if you will). that will panic the other fish in the area.
As I said I’m no authority, but I think in all honesty that someone calls the fish before I arrive and warns them I’m coming. That’s why I usually can’t catch many fish. 
MOturkE:
I know the feeling, that you have, about someone notifying the fish. I believe that the fish book their vacations, through the same travel agency that I use. Seems that they are on holiday, when I am. It is too much of a coincidence! ~Parnelli 
Hi Folks,
Here in SC in the spring when the channel catfish move shallow for the
spawn, fishing is great and you can often catch one right after the other
without ever having to move the boat. Warm regards, Jim
I fish a large lake 90 miles long and very deep. There are trout 20 lbs+ in it. When we get a fish on over 10 pounds or so near to the boat, The angler without a fish on will cast toward the hooked fish. Often other large trout are following close to it. My wife landed a 14lb rainbow using this method.